Defense Minister reveals ‘alternative service’ option for BTS

The issue of military service exemption for BTS members was discussed again on August 2nd at a meeting of the Parliamentary Defense Committee of the National Assembly. During the meeting, the head of the Military Human Resources Administration, Lee Ki-shik, spoke of an “alternative service” of the group.

By law, people with special talents in the arts and sports can be recommended by the Minister of Culture for exemption from active military service, but this does not include pop culture personalities.

Lee Ki-shik responded to MK Sung Il-jong of the People’s Power Party’s question on the sensitive issue, saying “we are reviewing the file” and adding “we are reviewing the file under an alternative service“.

S. Korea's Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup: “(The

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The head of the Military Personnel Administration trusted that “the sum of the feats of popular artists (according to the criteria of exemption from military service) can violate the principle of exemption and is examined with caution“.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup urged the importance of “finding a solution that does not affect correctness, fairness and the number of military personnel” and reiterated his cautious stance, explaining that “BTS members will fulfill their obligation under the flag, but there may be ways to allow them to attend concerts abroad and guarantee the formation of their group“.